Came in to get my first tattoo the day after my 18th birthday, head full of crazy ideas. Went to see Andrew, who my family has known for some years and trusts greatly as my dad had been tattooed by him many times (and still continues to be.) He took the idea I walked in with and helped me take it from a simple black-and-white symbol to a colorful scene that leaves room to expand upon, should I decide to, but still exists as a complete piece on its own and that I get amazing compliments on consistently. A few months later I was back in again with another idea ready to get more work done. This time I went to get a half sleeve done for a forest silhouette piece, but instead of going with a simple traditional black-and-white piece again, I knew I wanted to take it in a colorful direction and bring it into the fantasy realm. Andrew did what he always does as an artist and as someone who genuinely *cares* about the art he's putting onto your body, and takes the time to think about how it's going to live on your skin, what it's going to look like now and later, etc. The result is an amazing colorful half sleeve that evokes comments from people such as "You know, I normally don't like tattoos, but that is really gorgeous." It makes me really proud to be able to wear artwork that breaks peoples expectations, and none other than the amazing artists at Art Realm can deliver work like that. I'm telling people almost daily about Andrew and the guys, how great the environment is (last time I was there Chris was doing this huge painting of a fish while Andrew tattooed me, I think Grass was there drawing too,) because just from how these guys handle themselves you can tell they love what they do, they love the art that they're putting onto your body and they take the time to work with you to make sure you're going to love it too. read more

I have been collecting tattoos around the Austin area for many years. Within the last several years I have witnessed the typical traditional style of tattooing evolve into a more complex, art based style. This newer style of tattooing contains much more depth and texturing than the traditional style, giving it a more realistic or painting like appearance. Which brings me to my Art Realm experience. Recently I was introduced to James at Art Realm to assist in some work for the shop grand opening. While I was there I could not help but be drawn in by the very impressive paintings displayed throughout the studio. Jame's artistic style and easy going demeanor had me hooked to add a piece of his art to my collection, immediately. I am not artist, so I gave James a very basic idea to create with and his artistic interpretation did not disappoint. It is easily one of my favorite tattoos and he has me hooked to add more. Other than the impressive art around the studio, the use of rotary machines, making it much quieter than a typical tattoo shop was an added bonus. The music was at a respectable level, that you could either listen to and enjoy, or carry on a conversation with the artist, or easily listen to your own device at a respectable volume with no headaches afterward. I highly recommend James and anyone at Art Realm. read more

I reached out to Andrew about embarking on a journey to get my first tattoo. Within a day of my email inquiry I received a personal phone call to discuss the concept and to make an appointment for a consultation. From the get go Andrew was engaged with each detail of my vision. Upon meeting with him I was immediately at ease. He is a kind and truly talented individual and it comes through in his work. I spent 6 hours in chair for my first session, but the time flew by. Andrew was extremely respectful and conscientious all through out both my sessions. In addition to being taken care of by an artist and generally kind human, the Art Realm is an inviting space. With various pieces of art work throughout the gallery it was easy to get lost in the beautiful images while at my sessions. The space is pristine, eclectic and quite hospitable. My tattoo ended up even more beautiful than I could have imagined. It is large portrait of my tortoiseshell cat, Dr.Dre. Andrew took care to make sure the details (and she is very unique) remained true to my baby. Thank you SO much, Andrew. I will absolutely be a returning customer and will always keep you as my #1 referral for custom pieces! read more

I have been seeing James Hall for the past few years, first it all started with me trying to find someone with a unique style that I hadn't seen anywhere near me in Dallas that fit the style of the piece I wanted. So I found James in Austin and drove down for several sessions to complete a chest piece. This eventually led to my leg sleeve James is almost complete with now. I love both of my pieces I've done with James and couldn't imagine them looking any other way. James has been so amazing and he's extremely easy to "click" with and develops some incredible concepts. He will have something unique and special that looks like nothing else in the world for your idea. Trust him and get it done! I drive all the way from Dallas to get work done by James. I highly recommend him. He moved from Shaman Body Modifications to Art Realm where I see him now. Check out all of the amazing art work in their art gallery while you're there btw. There is some of the most incredible paintings I have ever seen in there. read more

Art Realm is a beautiful, friendly and clean studio/gallery loaded with some of the best artists you can find in Austin,TX. James Hall is my personal favorite, he did my very first tattoo and I couldn't be more obsessed. Especially considering I wasn't even quite set on an idea when I first went to James, but no problem at all, I explained my concept to him and he was able to draw something up even better than I imagined. It's extremely nice to have someone care about making your art unique to you and not settling for just another internet slap on. I mean let's be real people, when you're selecting an artist to work on your body, IT'S A BIG DEAL that's why I proudly suggest my buddy James to everyone I know. read more

This is the absolute best place for ear piercing!!! We took my nervous daughter and her needle-phobic sister (who wasn't going to ever get her ears pierced), and they both got their ears pierced, had a super fun time, and described the whole process as "quick and completely painless"! They didn't even know that the piercing was done that's how good the lady is! We dubbed her the "Hummingbird of Piercers" for her grace, speed, and skills :) They use only the highest quality metals (medical grade titanium or gold), have stress toys for calming nerves, and did an amazing job ensuring the placement was symmetric before piercing with a needle. Cannot recommend the experience enough! read more

Grass is one of the most talented and amazing artists I have had the pleasure of getting art from! I came to him with a simple concept for my grandfather who passed. He was the reason for my love of writing and one of my most vivid happy childhood memories of him was blowing dandelions and making wishes. I wanted to intertwine these important memories and factors of my relationship with. I came to Grass with the idea of an old school typewriter with some grass and weeds growing out of it, and my grandfathers name DOB and DOD on the scroll of paper. Grass drew it up and delivered 10 fold! I've loved it from the moment he drew it out. It's one of my favorite tattoos to show off. read more

I got Tattooed by Christopher Hedlund and all I can say is I'm just in awe, he literally made my dream become a reality, he was not heavy handed at all, he took his time and for as much detail and attention he put into my tattoo it was only at most 4 hours. He worked with my schedule even came in on his day off so he could tattoo me. He got back to me fairly quickly when emailing him about what I wanted. Super sweet and chill dude. I recommend him to anyone who is looking for the Realism type of tattoo. The shop was super clean and spunky. All around a great experience and I'll definitely be coming back for more tattoos by Chris. Thanks Chris!! read more

Art Realm is an amazing place! After searching all over Austin for a tattoo artist for about a year, I found Art Realm and Andrew. Andrew is a talented artist. When I presented my tattoo idea to him, I immediately knew I found the right artist. When it came time to get my tattoo, he cleared the whole afternoon for me. He made sure that I was 100% sure on where I wanted the tattoo. Andrew is not only dedicated to his craft, making sure that my tattoo looks as in 10 years as it does today. I've already talked to him about my next 2 tattoos, so I will definitely be going back for tattoos and art shows or even just to hang! read more

There, not your ordinary shop that you can walk into and pick something off the wall. All their work is custom drawn for your exact needs which is an A++ in my book. They're very professional & super clean. All the artist there are really friendly and willing to work with you if you have a budget. Let's not forget about their badass art gallery, showcasing many talented artists from the Austin area. In my opinion one of the best shops in Austin. I came in to get an old tattoo covered up and left with an amazing piece by David Handy. Will definitely be coming back for some more work. read more

Hands down best shop in Austin. James is my artist & he is not only an incredible tattoo artist he's also an awesome guy. Whenever i come to get work done by him i always feel relaxed & at home (which can be hard sometimes in tattoo shops). His creative instincts are always on point & i know i can trust him with any concept or idea i throw at him! The shop itself is gorgeous. Light, open, comfortable, & clean. Make sure you check out the gallery while you're there to see some stunning art pieces as well. You seriously will not regret getting tattooed here. read more

Love this place!!! You can't find a better tattoo artist than Andrew, he really made my side piece into a unique piece of art. I had an idea of what I wanted, but wasn't sure how to explain it. I told Andrew my idea and said he would draw something up, when I came back I couldn't believe it..... it was exactly what I wanted. I love how he doesn't just look something up off the internet, copies it, then paste it onto your body. He draws everything up himself. I couldn't be happier with the work. read more

I have been getting tattooed by James Hall for over 2 years now. He is a great guy and an amazing tattoo artist. I started with my a half sleeve with him 2 years ago and now am 1 appointment away from from completing a full sleeve and am already thinking of my next tattoo with him! He is a super Friendly guy that makes you feel super welcome in the shop. He has always been super helpful with all post tattoo care about if it's your new tattooing. I completely recommend James Hall and Art Realm. read more

Gorgeous shop. Comfortable and clean with an amazing variety of art that really shows off the artists abilities. James Hall is the bees knees! He's brilliant, creative, and his work speaks for itself. I'm kind of a stickler for details and he was cool with it and great to work with. We went back and forth about a large deer tattoo and by the time he was done he was pretty much an expert on white tail deer. I highly recommend James and encourage everyone to check out the shop. read more

I have been here 2 times. The first was to get my very first tattoo and the second was to add on to it. Aaron did both and did a phenomenal job. He customized my add on and it turned out exactly how we were wanting it to. He worked with me to figure out the best placement (we probably spent an hour and a half trying to get it right) I love how much time he took to make sure it was perfect. I will definitely go back to Aaron when I'm in town with a tattoo. Thanks Art Realm!!! read more

I have been working James on my sleeve for almost a year now and I could not be happier with my results! I am constantly complimented on how clean the line work is and how pretty my designs are. Most importantly though my sessions are fun and I always feel like there is good communication between us about what exactly should be done. The studio and everyone in it have also always been very welcoming and friendly. Overall a wonderful experience. Thank you so much James!! read more

I've been working with James for years. He moved from Shaman Body Modifications, this place is awesome. Always super friendly, extremely accommodating, and incredibly talented. Ever since I found James, haven't had work from anyone else. The location is conveniently located, and the shop just recently opened. They have been doing great things in there. If you're contemplating your next tattoo, come check out the shop, they've got they're work that you can check out. read more

James Hall is absolutely amazing! He has done most of my tattoos and I trust him with any new idea I have for a tattoo. His work is absolutely gorgeous and he is so easy to talk to. So much so I've let him run free with the design for my floral half-sleeve that I can't wait to get finished up. Never once have I felt like anything was unclean or unprofessional and the atmosphere is always really comfortable. I'd recommend Art Realm and James 100% :) read more

Andrew Matela my artist! Art Realm has awesome atmosphere vibes and energy!! Much heart and soul here at this tattoo shop\ art gallery! Enjoy events hosted they are always creative and fun!! I enjoy watching the business grow and look forward to seeing new artwork and tattoos posted!! (Im a fan, I follow) Good luck guys!!! Andrew I need to put some more of your business cards in my car, people always question my tattoos!. read more